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1.
Myositis Induced by Isotretinoin: A Case Report and Literature Review.
Rivillas, JA, Santos Andrade, VA, Hormaza-Jaramillo, AA
The American journal of case reports. 2020;:e917801
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinoid-induced myositis is a rare condition encountered in clinical practice. Its occurrence implies a diagnostic challenge due to the multiple causes associated with myopathic syndromes. The most common clinical presentation is generalized affection. Focal myositis is even less frequent and easily misdiagnosed as muscular disease of other etiology. CASE REPORT We describe a case of 45-year-old male with a history of nephrolithiasis and rosacea diagnosed by dermatology, who was management with isotretinoin 1 mg/kg per day in 2 doses with clinical improvement. Later, he presents muscle pain in the upper limbs with marked functional limitation associated by choluria, without muscular pains in other location; he had no history of using another medication. At his physical examination, vital signs were normal, with edema and pain in the bilateral bicipital region associated with limitation for flexion-extension of shoulders and elbows and high levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK). He was transferred to the intensive care unit where he received fluid therapy because of the high risk of deterioration of renal function, very high CPK levels, and a history of obstructive uropathy. One year after this hospitalization, the cutaneous symptoms worsened and the patient voluntarily restarted isotretinoin and 5 months later he presented again with the same symptoms of the first episode. CONCLUSIONS Drug-induced myositis should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of myopathic syndromes. Retinoids have the potential to cause varying degrees of myositis and their rapid identification could prevent major complications.
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2.
Cyclosporine for corticosteroid-refractory acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis due to hydroxychloroquine.
Castner, NB, Harris, JC, Motaparthi, K
Dermatologic therapy. 2018;(5):e12660
Abstract
Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis most often manifests 1-2 days following exposure to a characteristic drug, such as aminopenicillins, calcium-channel blockers, or terbinafine. Recovery is usually rapid following drug withdrawal, and systemic corticosteroids represent the historic treatment of choice. Herein, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis incited by hydroxychloroquine is briefly reviewed: a prolonged latency and recalcitrance to corticosteroids are noteworthy. In this unique context, cyclosporine tapered over several months is an effective therapeutic option.
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3.
Perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis, oligoarthritis, tendinitis, and myositis associated with isotretinoin in a 15-year-old boy: Case report and review of literature.
Mangodt, TC, Joos, R, Siozopoulou, V, Cortoos, PJ, Baeten, H, Docx, M, van den Akker, M
Pediatric dermatology. 2018;(3):e173-e177
Abstract
We present a patient in whom a combination of perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis, oligoarthritis, tendinitis, and myositis was considered to be associated with isotretinoin use. Discontinuation of the drug resulted in complete clinical and biochemical remission (normalization of perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody titer). Although we were unable to prove causality, no other underlying cause for the patient's course was found. We report this occurrence to bring it to the attention of physicians prescribing isotretinoin.
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4.
Tatami Mats: A Source of Pitted Keratolysis in a Martial Arts Athlete?
Balić, A, Bukvić Mokos, Z, Marinović, B, Ledić Drvar, D
Acta dermatovenerologica Croatica : ADC. 2018;(1):68-70
Abstract
Dear Editor, Pitted keratolysis (PK), also known as keratosis plantaris sulcatum, is a non-inflammatory, bacterial, superficial cutaneous infection, characterized by many discrete superficial crateriform ''pits'' and erosions in the thickly keratinized skin of the weight-bearing regions of the soles of the feet (1). The disease often goes unnoticed by the patient, but when it is noticed it is because of the unbearable malodor and hyperhidrosis of the feet, which are socially unacceptable and cause great anxiety to many of the patients. PK occurs worldwide, with the incidence rates varying based on the environment and occupation. The prevalence of this condition does not differ significantly based on age, sex, or race. People who sweat profusely or wash excessively, who wear occlusive footwear, or are barefoot especially in hot and humid weather are extremely prone to this condition (2). Physicians commonly misdiagnose it as tinea pedis or plantar warts. Treatment is quite simple and straightforward, with an excellent expected outcome if treated properly. We report a case of a 32-year-old male patient with skin changes of approximately one-year duration diagnosed as plantar verrucae, who was referred to our Department for cryotherapy. The patient presented with asymptomatic, malodorous punched-out pits and erosions along with hyperkeratotic skin on the heel and metatarsal region of the plantar aspect of both feet. The arches, toes, and sides of the feet were spared (Figure 1). Except for these skin changes, the patient was healthy and denied any other medical issues. He was an athlete active in martial arts and had a history of sweating of feet and training barefoot on the tatami mat for extended periods of time. The diagnosis of PK was established based on the clinical findings (crateriform pitting and malodor), negative KOH test for hyphae, and a history of prolonged sweating in addition to contact of the skin with tatami mats, which are often a source of infection if hygiene measures are not adequately implemented. Swabs could have been helpful to identify causative organisms, but they were not crucial for the diagnosis and treatment. The patient was prescribed with general measures to prevent excessive sweating (cotton socks, open footwear, and proper hygiene), antiseptic potassium permanganate foot soaks followed by clindamycin 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5% in a gel vehicle twice daily. At the one-month follow-up visit, the skin changes, hyperhidrosis, and malodor were entirely resolved (Figure 2). Pitted keratolysis is common among athletes (3,4). The manifestations of PK are due to a superficial cutaneous infection caused by several bacterial Gram-positive species including Corynebacterium species, Kytococcus sedentarius, Dermatophilus congolensis, Actynomices keratolytica, and Streptomyces that proliferate and produce proteinase and sulfur-compound by-products under appropriate moist conditions (5-7). Proteinases digest the keratin and destroy the stratum corneum, producing the characteristic skin findings, while sulfur compounds (sulfides, thiols, and thioesters) are responsible for the malodor. Athletes and soldiers who wear occlusive footwear for prolonged periods of time or even barefooted people that sweat extensively and spend time on wet surfaces such as laborers, farmers, and marine workers are more prone to this problem (3,4,8-11). Martial arts athletes are at greater risk of skin infections due to the constant physical contact that can lead to transmission of viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens directly but also indirectly through contact with the mat and the skin flora of an another infected individual. A national survey of the epidemiology of skin infections among US high school athletes conducted by Ashack et al. supported the prevalent theory that contact sports are associated with an increased risk of skin infections. In this study, wrestling had the highest skin infection rate of predominantly bacterial origin (53.8%), followed by tinea (35.7%) and herpetic lesions (6.7%), which is consistent with other literature reporting (12). Being barefoot on the tatami mat in combination with excessive sweating and non-compliance with hygiene measures makes martial arts athletes more susceptible to skin infections, including PK. The diagnosis is clinical, by means of visual examination and recognition of the characteristic odor. Dermoscopy can be useful, revealing abundant pits with well-marked walls that sometimes show the bacterial colonies (13). Cultures, if taken, show Gram-positive bacilli or coccobacilli. Because of the ease of diagnosis on clinical findings, biopsy of pitted keratolysis is rarely performed. Skin scraping is often performed to exclude tinea pedis, which is one of the main differential diagnosis, the others including verrucae, punctate palmoplantar keratoderma, keratolysis exfoliativa, circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis, and basal cell nevus syndrome. If unrecognized and left untreated, skin findings and smelly feet can last for many years. Sometimes, if unrecognized, PK can be mistreated with antifungals, or even with aggressive treatment modalities such as cryotherapy. Appropriate treatment includes keeping feet dry with adequate treatment of hyperhidrosis, preventive measures, and topical antibiotic therapy. Topical forms of salicylic acid, sulfur, antibacterial soaps, neomycin, erythromycin, mupirocin, clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide, clotrimazole, imidazoles, and injectable botulinum toxin are all successful in treatment and prevention of PK (14,15). Topical antibiotics are the first line of medical treatment, among which fusidic acid, erythromycin 1% (solution or gel), mupirocin 2%, or clindamycin are the most recommended (14). As in our case, a fixed combination of two approved topical drugs - clindamycin 1%-benzoyl peroxide 5% gel, had been already demonstrated by Vlahovich et al. as an excellent treatment option with high adherence and no side-effect (16). The combined effect of this combination showed significantly greater effect due to the bactericidal and keratolytic properties of benzoyl peroxide. Additionally, this combination also lowers the risk of resistance of causative microorganisms to clindamycin. Skin infections are an important aspect of sports-related adverse events. Due to the interdisciplinary nature, dermatologists are not the only ones who should be aware of the disease, but also family medicine doctors, sports medicine specialists, and occupational health doctors who should educate patients about the etiology of the skin disorder, adequate prevention, and treatment. Athletes must enforce the disinfecting and sanitary cleaning of the tatami mats and other practice areas. Keeping up with these measures could significantly limit the spread of skin infections that can infect athletes indirectly, leading to significant morbidity, time loss from competition, and social anxiety as well.
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5.
Isotretinoin therapy for the treatment of acne in patients with cystic fibrosis: a case series and review of the literature.
Bari, O, Paravar, T
Dermatology online journal. 2016;(3)
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common severe autosomal recessive disorder in Caucasians. Viscous secretionstypically obstruct the lungs, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract. As disease management improves, patients will increasingly seek care for conditions such as acne. Isotretinoin therapy for acne in patients with CF is controversial owing to concerns that the medication may exacerbate CF-related hepatic, pulmonary, and ocular complications. PURPOSE We describe two patients with CF treated with isotretinoin from our clinic and also provide a literature review of 11 similar cases. We describe patient outcomes, common complications, and the risks for severe adverse effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS The clinical courses of two patients with CF who were treated with isotretinoin for moderate-severe acne are presented. Using PubMed, we analyzed previous case reports of patients with CF who were prescribed isotretinoin and review complications associated with systemic retinoids. RESULTS Based on a synthesis of the literature and our own experience, it appears that isotretinoin therapy for CF patients with moderate-severe acne may be an appropriate option when clinically indi ated. If dermatologists monitor lab values and adverseeffects carefully, patients with CF can benefit from isotretinoin therapy.
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6.
Nail improvement during alitretinoin treatment: three case reports and review of the literature.
Milanesi, N, D'Erme, AM, Gola, M
Clinical and experimental dermatology. 2015;(5):533-6
Abstract
Alitretinoin is an endogenous vitamin A derivative, 9-cis-retinoic acid. Its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory efficacy results from controlling leukocyte activity and cytokine production in keratinocytes. We describe three patients with severe chronic hand eczema accompanied by nail dystrophy, which was treated with alitretinoin 30 mg. Clinical evaluation at 6 months showed complete or almost complete clearing of the nail lesions. We also briefly review the literature reporting on nail dystrophy and alitretinoin treatment. There is some evidence of the clinical effect of retinoids on nail formation, owing to the presence of retinoid receptors on the nail matrix. Further studies are required to better understand the impact of alitretinoin in nail diseases. Our observation supports alitretinoin as a treatment option in retinoid-responsive dermatoses associated with nail involvement.
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7.
Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate ointment compared with tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp: a split-lesion comparison.
Pagliarello, C, Fabrizi, G, Fantini, C, Cortelazzi, C, Boccaletti, V, Annessi, G, Zampetti, A, Feliciani, C, Di Nuzzo, S
European journal of dermatology : EJD. 2015;(2):206-8
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8.
Migrating granulomatous chronic reaction from hyaluronic acid skin filler (Restylane): review and histopathological study with histochemical stainings.
Cecchi, R, Spota, A, Frati, P, Muciaccia, B
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland). 2014;(1):14-7
Abstract
BACKGROUND A unique case is presented in whom an allergic reaction to Restylane filler, associated with migrating granulomas, persisted despite medical interventions. A histopathological study was requested for evidence at court. METHODS Hematoxylin-eosin, alcian blue and colloidal iron staining were applied to skin sample biopsies obtained 5 months and 3 years after the hyaluronic acid (HA) injection. RESULTS The histological staining highlighted the presence of the filler inside the foreign body granuloma and in the derma of a biopsy obtained after 5 months; a small amount of filler was discovered within a granulomatous reaction 3 years after the injection. CONCLUSIONS Smaller fragments of HA display inflammatory, angiogenic and immune-stimulatory activities. Intradermal skin testing before the start of HA filler therapy, and before each subsequent injection, may prevent legal implications for the plastic surgeon. Informed consent to skin tests should be obtained.
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9.
Skin conditions: new drugs for managing skin disorders.
Nguyen, T, Zuniga, R
FP essentials. 2013;:11-6
Abstract
New drugs are available for managing several common skin disorders. For psoriasis, topical corticosteroids remain the first-line therapy, but topical vitamin D3 analogs, such as calcipotriene, now have a role. They are as effective as medium-potency topical steroids but without steroid side effects, though they can induce hypercalcemia if the dose exceeds 100 g/week. For more severe cases, methotrexate has been widely used, but other drugs now also are prescribed. They include calcineurin inhibitors, such as cyclosporine, and more recently, biologic agents, such as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. For children and pregnant women, in whom the previously discussed drugs are not appropriate, narrowband UV-B light often is the first-line treatment. For eczema, patients requiring steroid-sparing topical drugs can be treated with calcineurin inhibitors (ie, pimecrolimus or tacrolimus); between the 2, tacrolimus is the first choice for adults and children older than 2 years. When systemic management is needed, oral calcineurin inhibitors (eg, cyclosporine) are appropriate, though oral steroids often are needed for severe cases. The need for systemic management can sometimes be delayed with use of diluted bleach baths. For acne vulgaris, standard treatments with topical benzoyl peroxide and topical or systemic antibiotics are used widely, as are oral contraceptives, but oral isotretinoin is the most effective treatment.
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10.
[Atopic dermatitis in infants not caused by food allergy].
Wensink, M, Timmer, C, Brand, PL
Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde. 2008;(1):4-9
Abstract
Food allergy is not the primary cause ofatopic dermatitis. This is illustrated in 3 patients with atopic dermatitis, a girl aged 6 months and 2 boys aged 6 and 7 months, respectively, who were referred to our outpatient clinic for evaluation for possible food allergies. All 3 patients were receiving hypoallergenic formula because their parents or health care providers suspected that the atopic dermatitis was caused by a cows' milk allergy. After sufficient explanation of the causes of atopic dermatitis and thorough clarification and use of topical therapy, a remarkable improvement in the severity of the atopic dermatitis was noted. Only 1 patient was allergic to cows' milk as confirmed by a double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge, but there was no association with the level of eczema activity. It is a common misconception that food allergies and atopic dermatitis are always causally related. In recent years it has become clear that atopic dermatitis may result from defective skin barrier function, for which topical treatment is essential. Unjustified focus on food allergies as the primary cause ofatopic dermatitis increases the risk of unnecessary elimination diets and malnutrition. Only infants with acute allergic symptoms directly related to ingestion, i.e. urticaria and gastrointestinal symptoms, should be evaluated for food allergies by a double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge.